Power Converter with a Dynamically Configurable Controller and Output Filter

ABSTRACT

A controller and an output filter for a power converter, and a power converter employing at least one of the same. In one embodiment, the controller includes an error amplifier with first and second input terminals coupled to one of an operating characteristic and a reference voltage of the power converter, and a switch configured to couple the first and second input terminals to one of the operating characteristic and the reference voltage as a function of a power conversion mode of the power converter. In one embodiment, the output filter includes an output filter capacitor with a first terminal coupled to a first output terminal of a power converter, and an output filter inductor coupled between a second terminal of the output filter capacitor and a second output terminal of the power converter.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed, in general, to power electronics and, more specifically, to a power converter and method of controlling a power switch therein to regulate an output characteristic of the power converter.

BACKGROUND

A power switch-mode power converter (also referred to as a “power converter” or “regulator”) is a power supply or power processing circuit that converts an input voltage waveform into a specified output voltage waveform. DC-DC power converters convert a dc input voltage into a dc output voltage. Controllers associated with the power converters manage an operation thereof by controlling the conduction periods of power switches employed therein. Generally, the controllers are coupled between an input and output of the power converter in a feedback loop configuration (also referred to as a “control loop” or “closed control loop”).

Typically, the controller measures an output characteristic (e.g., an output voltage, an output current, or a combination of an output voltage and an output current) of the power converter, and based thereon modifies a duty cycle of the power switches of the power converter. The duty cycle is a ratio represented by a conduction period of a power switch to a power switching period thereof. Thus, if a power switch conducts for half of the power switching period, the duty cycle for the power switch would be 0.5 (or 50%). Additionally, as voltage or current for systems, such as a microprocessor powered by the power converter, dynamically change (e.g., as a computational load on the microprocessor changes), the controller should be configured to dynamically increase or decrease the duty cycle of the power switches therein to maintain an output characteristic such as an output voltage at a desired value.

In an exemplary application, the power converters have the capability to convert an unregulated input voltage supplied by an input voltage source, such as a battery, to a higher or lower, regulated, output voltage that may fall within the range of variability of the input voltage to power a load. For example, the range of the input voltage source may be four to six volts, and the regulated output voltage may be 5 volts. Thus, under one operating condition the power converter boosts the input voltage to produce the output voltage, and under another operating condition the power converter bucks the input voltage to produce the output voltage. To provide the voltage conversion and regulation functions, the power converters include active power switches such as metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (“MOSFETs”) that are coupled to the voltage source and periodically power switch a reactive circuit element such as an inductor to the voltage source at a power switching frequency that may be on the order of five megahertz.

However, a feedback process to control a power switch in a power converter employing a buck power conversion topology produces opposite control signal changes of a comparable feedback process for a power converter employing a boost power conversion topology. In addition, a power converter configured to operate in either a buck or a boost power conversion mode experiences a discontinuity in the control process related to inherent inefficiencies in a practical circuit during transitions between buck and boost power conversion modes. Thus, the problem of controlling a power converter that may be operable in a buck or a boost power conversion mode depending on a relationship between input and output voltages thereof remains an unresolved issue.

Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a controller for a power converter and related method that can operate in different power conversion modes that overcomes deficiencies in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other problems are generally solved or circumvented, and technical advantages are generally achieved, by advantageous embodiments of the present invention, including a controller for a power converter and method of controlling a power converter employing different power conversion modes of operation. In one embodiment, the controller includes an error amplifier with first and second input terminals coupled to one of an operating characteristic and a reference voltage of the power converter. The controller also includes a switch configured to couple the first and second input terminals to one of the operating characteristic and the reference voltage as a function of a power conversion mode of the power converter.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an output filter for a power converter including an output filter capacitor with a first terminal coupled to a first output terminal of a power converter. The output filter also includes an output filter inductor coupled between a second terminal of the output filter capacitor and a second output terminal of the power converter.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter, which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures or processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a power converter constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of a buck power converter topology and a boost power converter topology, respectively, in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate schematic diagrams of embodiments of portions of a controller constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate graphical diagrams demonstrating exemplary operational gains of a power converter in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an output filter constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a graphical diagram demonstrating an exemplary phase of an error amplifier during a boost power conversion mode of operation of a power converter, and an exemplary phase of an output filter capacitor in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an output filter constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

Corresponding numerals and symbols in the different figures generally refer to corresponding parts unless otherwise indicated, and may not be redescribed in the interest of brevity after the first instance. The FIGUREs are drawn to illustrate the relevant aspects of exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The making and using of the present exemplary embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.

The present invention will be described with respect to exemplary embodiments in a specific context, namely, a power converter including a controller responsive to a level of an output characteristic relative to an input characteristic to regulate the output characteristic and methods of forming the same. While the principles of the present invention will be described in the environment of a power converter, any application that may benefit from a power converter, such as a power amplifier or a motor controller, including a controller responsive to a level of an output characteristic relative to an input characteristic to regulate the output characteristic is well within the broad scope of the present invention.

Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a power converter constructed according to the principles of the present invention. The power converter includes a power train, a controller, and a driver (e.g., a gate driver), and provides power to a system/load such as a microprocessor (not shown) coupled to output terminals. The controller is responsive to an operating characteristic such as a level of an output current I_(out) to regulate an output characteristic of the power converter. While in the illustrated embodiment the power train employs a buck and boost converter topology, those skilled in the art should understand that other converter topologies such as a forward converter topology are well within the broad scope of the present invention.

The power train includes first, second, third and fourth power switches S₁, S₂, S₃, S₄ [e.g., an n-channel or p-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (“MOSFET”) embodied in an n-type or p-type laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor (“N-LDMOS” or “P-LDMOS”) device] and can operate in different power conversion modes such as a buck or boost power conversion mode. The first and second power switches S₁, S₂ are coupled to an input voltage source that provides an input voltage V_(in) through the an inductor L. In a buck power conversion mode, the third power switch S₃ is open and the fourth power switch S₄ is closed, while the first and second power switches S₁, S₂ switch as described herein for the buck mode power conversion mode. Similarly, in a boost power conversion mode, the first power switch S₁ is closed, the second power switch S₂ is open, while the third and fourth power switches S₃, S₄ switch as described herein for the boost mode power conversion mode. The power train receives the input voltage V_(in) at an input thereof and provides a regulated output voltage V_(out) at the output terminals or other output characteristic such as the output current I_(out).

Before continuing with the discussion of the power converter illustrated with respect to FIG. 1, a brief description of embodiments of a buck power converter topology and a boost power converter topology that form a power train of the power converter will be provided in accordance with FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. Beginning with FIG. 2 and with continuing reference to FIG. 1, illustrated is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a buck power converter topology including first and second power switches S₁, S₂ coupled to an input voltage source for providing an input voltage V_(in). The first and second power switches S₁, S₂ close alternately in response to gate drive signals GD₁, GD₂, respectively, from a driver with a switching frequency f_(s). The output voltage V_(out) of a buck power converter topology, which is filtered by an output filter including an output filter inductor L_(out) and an output filter capacitor C_(out) to remove high-frequency components, can be represented approximately with the equation:

V _(out) =V _(in)·δ,

wherein δ is the duty cycle of the first power switch S₁ (e.g., the fraction of time that the first power switch S₁ is closed or conducting). In order to regulate the output voltage V_(out), an operating characteristic such as a scaled value of the output voltage V_(out) is typically compared against a reference voltage (e.g., a desired system voltage V_(system) from an internal source or from an external source that may be associated with the load) in a controller using an error amplifier. The output of the error amplifier and a sawtooth voltage signal are fed to a comparator associated with a controller. The output of the comparator controls the duty cycle δ. If the output voltage V_(out) is smaller than the desired output voltage, the error amplifier output increases, which increases the duty cycle δ. This forms a negative feedback arrangement to regulate the output voltage V_(out) to a scaled value of the reference voltage. A larger duty cycle implies that the first power switch S₁ is closed for a longer fraction of the switching period of the buck power converter topology.

Those skilled in the art should understand that the conduction periods for the first and second power switches S₁, S₂ may be separated by a small time interval to avoid cross conduction therebetween and beneficially to reduce the power switching losses associated with the power converter. Those skilled in the art should understand further that terms used herein such as “current reversal” or a reference to a particular level of a physical quantity such as “zero current” are to be understood within the context of a physical apparatus with attendant and practical accuracy limitations. For example, one cannot know or measure the precise instant that a current that reverses direction passes through a current level of zero.

Turning now to FIG. 3 and with continuing reference to FIG. 1, illustrated is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a boost power converter topology including third and fourth power switches S₃, S₄ coupled to an input voltage source for providing an input voltage V_(in) through input inductor L_(in). The third and fourth power switches S₃, S₄ close alternately in response to gate drive signals GD₃, GD₄, respectively, from a driver with a switching frequency f_(s). The output voltage V_(out) of the boost power converter topology can be represented approximately with the equation:

V _(out) =V _(in)/(1−δ′),

where δ′ is the duty cycle of third power switch S₃ (e.g., the fraction of time that the third power switch S₃ is closed or conducting). In order to regulate the output voltage V_(out), an operating characteristic such as a scaled value of the output voltage V_(out) is compared against a reference voltage (e.g., a desired system voltage V_(system) from an internal source or from an external source that may be associated with the load), again using an error amplifier. The output of the error amplifier and a sawtooth voltage signal are fed to a comparator associated with a controller. The output of the comparator controls the duty cycle δ′. If the output voltage V_(out) is smaller than the desired output, the error amplifier output increases, which in turn increases the duty cycle δ′. Again, a negative feedback loop is formed that regulates the output voltage V_(out). A larger duty cycle implies that the third power switch S₃ is closed for a longer fraction of the switching period of the boost power converter topology. As mentioned above, those skilled in the art should understand that the conduction periods for the third and fourth power switches S₃, S₄ may be separated by a small time interval to avoid cross conduction therebetween and beneficially to reduce the power switching losses associated with the power converter.

It is noted that in the buck power converter topology, the first (upper) power switch S₁ (FIG. 2) duty cycle is increased to increase the output voltage V_(out), whereas in the boost power converter topology, the third (lower) power switch S₃ (see FIG. 3) duty cycle is increased to increase the output voltage V_(out). Also, the output voltage V_(out) of the buck power converter topology spans the range from 0 to the input voltage V_(in). The output voltage V_(out) of the boost power converter topology spans the non-overlapping voltage range of the input voltage V_(in) to ∞. In practice, the maximum output voltage V_(out) is limited, of course, to a finite value.

Returning now to the power converter of FIG. 1, the controller is coupled to and regulates the output voltage V_(out) (or other output characteristic) at a constant desired level independent of the input voltage V_(in). The controller of the power converter receives the output characteristic (e.g., the output current I_(out) and/or the output voltage V_(out)) of the power converter, and a desired output characteristic such as a desired system voltage V_(system) from an internal source or from an external source that may be associated with the load. The output characteristic is coupled to one input of an error amplifier in the controller and a reference voltage such as the desired system voltage V_(system) is coupled to the other input of the error amplifier. In an advantageous embodiment, the controller may be coupled to a sensor, such as current sensor CS to sense an operating characteristic such as a power converter current (e.g., the output current I_(out)). In a further advantageous embodiment, the controller may be coupled to a current sensor to sense a current in a power switch.

The controller may also be coupled to an input characteristic (e.g., the input voltage V_(in)) of the power converter and to a return lead of the source of electrical power as illustrated in FIG. 1 to provide a ground connection therefor. While only a single ground connection is illustrated in the present embodiment, those skilled in the art should understand that multiple ground connections may be employed for use within the controller. A decoupling capacitor C_(dec) may be coupled as illustrated in the FIGURE to the path from the input voltage V_(in) to the controller. The decoupling capacitor C_(dec) is generally configured to absorb high frequency noise signals associated with the switching of electrical power from corrupting the controller.

In accordance with the aforementioned characteristics, the controller provides a signal (e.g., a pulse-width modulated signal S_(PWM)) to control a duty cycle and a frequency of the power switches S₁, S₂, S₃, S₄, of the power train to regulate the output voltage V_(out) or other output characteristic thereof The controller in some applications may also provide a complement of the pulse-width modulated signal S_(PWM) (e.g., a complementary pulse-width modulated signal S_(1-PWM)) in accordance with the aforementioned characteristics. Any controller adapted to control at least one power switch of the power converter is well within the broad scope of the present invention. As an example, a controller employing digital circuitry is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,038,438, entitled “Controller for a Power Converter and a Method of Controlling a Power switch Thereof,” to Dwarakanath, et al., issued, May 2, 2006, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,019,505, entitled “Digital Controller for a Power Converter Employing Selectable Phases of a Clock Signal,” issued, Mar. 28, 2006, which are incorporated herein by reference.

The power converter also includes the driver (e.g., a gate driver) to provide the gate drive signals GD₁, GD₂, GD₃, GD₄ to control conductivity of the first, second, third and fourth power switches S₁, S₂, S₃, S₄, respectively, responsive to the pulse-width modulated signal S_(PWM) (and, if necessary, the control the complementary pulse-width modulated signal S_(1-PWM)) provided by the controller. There are a number of viable alternatives to implement a driver that include techniques to provide sufficient signal delays to prevent crosscurrents when controlling multiple power switches in the power converter. The driver typically includes power-switching circuitry incorporating a plurality of driver power switches that cooperate to provide the drive signals GD₁, GD₂, GD₃, GD₄ to the first, second, third and fourth power switches S₁, S₂, S₃, S₄. Of course, any driver capable of providing the drive signals to control a power switch is well within the broad scope of the present invention. As an example, a driver is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,330,017, entitled “Driver for a Power Converter and a Method of Driving a Power switch Thereof,” issued Feb. 12, 2008, and a power switch is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,230,302, entitled “Laterally Diffused Metal Oxide Semiconductor Device and Method of Forming the Same,” issued Jun. 12, 2007 and in U.S. Pat. No. 7,214,985, entitled “Integrated Circuit Incorporating Higher Voltage Devices and Low Voltage Devices Therein,” issued May 8, 2007, which are incorporated herein by reference.

According to the principles of the present invention, the power switches S₁, S₂, S₃, S₄ are typically power switches that can be incorporated into a semiconductor device in an integrated circuit proximate control or signal processing devices that perform many of the control functions of the controller of the power converter. The control and signal processing devices are typically complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”) devices that may be p-type metal oxide semiconductor (“PMOS”) devices or n-type metal oxide semiconductor (“NMOS”) devices. The PMOS and NMOS devices may also be referred to as p-channel and n-channel MOSFETs, respectively.

As mentioned above, the controller typically regulates an output characteristic of a power converter by controlling a duty cycle of a power switch. Duty cycle is generally controlled as described previously hereinabove by comparing a sawtooth voltage waveform with a controlled threshold voltage produced by an error amplifier configured to sense an operating characteristic such as an output voltage or other output characteristic. To regulate an output characteristic such as an output voltage of a power converter, an error amplifier is included in a power converter feedback loop. An error amplifier is frequently constructed with a feedback path having a number of capacitors and resistors coupled between operational amplifier inputs and outputs to provide a frequency-dependent error amplifier gain.

Regarding the operation of the power converter, the input voltage V_(in) may be less than the output voltage V_(out) in a boost power conversion mode, or greater than the output voltage V_(out) in a buck power conversion mode, and the input voltage V_(in) may transition from one such level to another, such as when a battery is charged or discharged under a load. Under all these conditions the output voltage V_(out) should remain well regulated and stable. The controller may be implemented as a purely analog circuit, a purely digital circuit, or as a hybrid combination of an analog and a digital circuit. The controller should not only provide negative feedback to regulate the output voltage V_(out), it should also be stable under all operating conditions of the input voltage V_(in) relative to the output voltage V_(out).

In a typical analog feedback control loop, an operating characteristic such as a scaled value of the output voltage V_(out) is compared against a reference voltage representing, for instance, a desired output voltage of the power converter in the error amplifier. The error amplifier may integrate the difference in the input voltages thereto to produce the result at the error amplifier output. In a steady state, the inputs to the error amplifier are equal, and the output of the error amplifier reaches a steady-state value (e.g., a dc level). The output of the error amplifier and a sawtooth signal are coupled to inputs of a comparator associated with the controller. The comparator produces a rectangular waveform (e.g., a pulse-width modulated (“PWM”) output).

In a buck power conversion mode, the output of the error amplifier rises when the scaled value of the output voltage V_(out) is less than the reference voltage. As the output of the error amplifier voltage increases, the duty cycle of the rectangular waveform (i.e., output of the comparator) increases, which causes the output voltage V_(out) to rise, bringing the scaled value of the output voltage closer to the reference voltage. Finally, in a steady-state, the output of the error amplifier, the comparator, and the power converter output voltage V_(out) all reach steady, dc values.

When the input voltage V_(in) is substantially greater than the output voltage V_(out), the output of the error amplifier will be relatively low, and the duty cycle small. As the input voltage V_(in) is reduced, the error amplifier output rises, increasing the duty cycle to maintain the output voltage V_(out) at the desired level. As the input voltage V_(in) approaches the output voltage V_(out), the duty cycle approaches 100%. When the duty cycle becomes 100%, the output voltage V_(out) is slightly lower than the input voltage V_(in), as indicated by the equation:

V _(out) =V _(in) −I R,

where I is the load current and R is the dc on-resistance of the first power switch S₁ plus all other parasitic resistances in the current path. In the power converter illustrated herein, R is the sum of the dc on resistances of the first and fourth power switches S₁, S₄ plus the other parasitic resistances in the power converter. As introduced herein, as the input voltage V_(in) approaches:

V_(out)+I R,

the operation of the power converter is switched from the buck power conversion mode to the boost power conversion mode.

When the input voltage V_(in) is equal to:

V_(in) =V _(out) +I R,

the error amplifier output is equal to the peak of the sawtooth waveform coupled to its input, and duty cycle of first power switch S₁ is substantially 100%. At this point, the controller switches the power converter to a boost power conversion mode. In the boost power conversion mode, the first power switch S₁ is continuously on, the second power switch S₂ is continuously off, and the power switching operation of the third and fourth power switches S₃, S₄ is initiated. When the input voltage V_(in) is slightly less than the output voltage V_(out)+I R, the third power switch S₃ is turned on with a very small duty cycle, and the fourth power switch S₄ is turned on with the complementary duty cycle. Preferably, the output of the error amplifier falls below the peak value of the saw-tooth input waveform to the error amplifier. If the output of the error amplifier did not decrease as the input voltage V_(in) decreases, the output would decrease in the boost power conversion mode and drive the output of the error amplifier even higher, resulting in a saturated operating condition. To reverse the output of the error amplifier and prevent saturation thereof, the inputs to the error amplifier are reversed. However, an error amplifier is ordinarily operative as an integrator, which prevents a straightforward reversal of the inputs thereto.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 to 6, illustrated are schematic diagrams of embodiments of portions of a controller constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Beginning with FIG. 4, an operating characteristic such as a scaled value V_(sout) of the output voltage V_(out) (in accordance with first and second scaling resistors R_(A), R_(B)) is coupled to a node SO. A resistor R_(C) is coupled in series with a voltage source VS to produce a reference voltage V_(ref), which is provided to a node REF. The addition of the resistor R_(C) produces a non-zero integration time constant in an error amplifier EA. Preferably, the resistance of the resistor R_(C) is equal to that of the parallel combination of the first and second scaling resistors R_(A), R_(B).

In a buck power conversion mode of operation, the circuit nodes SO, REF are connected via a switch (e.g., a two pole, double throw switch) SW in accordance with a power conversion mode control signal CS_(PCM) to negative (or inverting) and positive (or non-inverting) input terminals, respectively, of an operational amplifier OA of the error amplifier EA that produces an error amplifier output EA_(out) at an output terminal thereof. Thus, if the output voltage V_(out) is lower than the desired value, the node SO is more negative relative to the node REF and the error amplifier output EA_(out) integrates up, turning on the first power switch S₁ (see FIG. 1) for a longer period, thereby increasing the output voltage V_(out). If the output voltage V_(out) is higher than a desired level, the opposite effect happens, as required in a negative feedback process.

In a boost power conversion mode of operation, the circuit nodes SO, REF are connected via the switch SW in accordance with a power conversion mode control signal CS_(PCM) to positive and negative input terminals, respectively, of the operational amplifier OA of the error amplifier EA that produces the error amplifier output EA_(out) at an output terminal thereof. If the output voltage V_(out) is lower than the desired value, the node SO is more negative relative to the node REF, and the error amplifier output EA_(out) integrates down, turning on the third power switch S₃ (see FIG. 1) for a longer period, thereby increasing the output voltage V_(out). If the output voltage V_(out) is higher than a desired level, the opposite happens, again as required in a negative feedback process. It should be noted that the error amplifier EA is constructed with the feedback path including a feedback resistor R₁ and a feedback capacitor C₁ to form an integrating structure for the error amplifier EA. Thus, the switch SW selects a coupling of the first and second input terminals [e.g., the positive (or non-inverting) and negative (or inverting) input terminals) to one of the operating characteristic (e.g., scaled value V_(sout) of the output voltage V_(out)) and the reference voltage V_(ref) as a function of a power conversion mode of the power converter.

Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated is a comparator CF configured to produce a power conversion mode control signal CS_(PCM) to select a power conversion mode for a power converter in accordance with the principles of the present invention. To select the power conversion mode, an operating characteristic such as a scaled value V_(sin) of an input voltage V_(in) produced by a resistor divider network formed with first and second input scaling resistor R₁, R₂, is compared to an operating characteristic such as a scaled value V_(sout) of an output voltage V_(out) produced by a resistor divider network formed with third, fourth and fifth output scaling resistor R₃, R₄, R₅. If the scaled input voltage V_(sin) is higher than the scaled output voltage V_(sout), the power converter is placed in a buck power conversion mode of operation. If the scaled output voltage V_(sout) is greater than the scaled input voltage V_(sin), the power converter is placed in a boost power conversion mode of operation, as described further below.

An uncertainty in the level at which to switch is created due to I·R voltage drops across the first and fourth power switches S₁, S₄ (see FIG. 1). Power switching from a buck power conversion mode of operation to a boost power conversion mode of operation preferably occurs when:

V _(in) =V _(out) +I R.

The power-switching threshold is now a function of a load or output current. A load current may be sensed by measuring the voltage drop across either the first power switch S₁ or the fourth power switch S₄ when the particular power switch is not switching. Alternatively, the load current can be known a priori in a particular application such as in a light-emitting diode (“LED”) driver. In the case of an LED driver, the load current is set by a current digital-to-analog converter. This information can be employed to set the power-switching threshold.

The following relationships provide the needed switching function between power conversion operational modes: The fifth output scaling resistor R₅ is included for hysteresis, which is initially assumed to be 0 and which may be provided, without limitation, by coupling the gate of a switch S₅ to the power conversion mode control signal. The switching threshold is given by the equation:

[R ₂/(R ₁ +R ₂)]V _(in) =[R ₄/(R ₃ +R ₄)](V _(out)),

which can be rewritten to include a threshold correction component dependent on a current I₁,

V _(in)=[(R ₁ +R ₂)/R ₂](R ₄ /R ₃ +R ₄)(V _(out) +I ₁ R ₃).

If R₁=R₃ and R₂=R₄, then the equation above simplifies to:

V _(in) =V _(out) +I ₁ R ₃.

If the threshold correction component I₁·R₃ is set equal to I_(LOAD)·R_(switches), where I_(LOAD) is a load current of the power converter, a smooth transition for the power conversion modes of operation can be achieved. Typically, the on resistances R_(switches) of the power switches are small and the load current I_(LOAD) is large. However, the resistance of the third output scaling resistor R₃ will be large and the current I₁ provided by a current source will be small. Thus, no significant added power consumption is introduced in the power converter by a current I₁ from the current source. The fifth output scaling resistor R₅ is a small-value resistor that operates in conjunction with the switch S₅ to provide hysteresis against chatter in selection of the power conversion mode of operation.

Turning now to FIG. 6, illustrated is a schematic diagram of an error amplifier EA formed with a type 3 compensation circuit in accordance with the principles of the present invention. A type 3 compensation circuit, which provides three poles and two zeros in its response, may be used for voltage mode control of a power converter because of the design flexibility provided by the multiple poles and zeros. A type 3 compensation circuit with an ideal operational amplifier (i.e., an operational amplifier with infinite linear gain and bandwidth) has a pole at the origin of the complex frequency plane (i.e., it is operative as an integrator) produced by first and second feedback capacitors C₁, C₃ in conjunction with first and second scaling resistors R_(A), R_(B), and by another scaling resistor R₂ and a scaling capacitor C₂, that ensures high dc gain and low output-voltage dc error. Additionally, a pair of zeros (e.g., one provided by the feedback resistor R₁ and the feedback capacitor C₁, and one provided by the first scaling resistor R_(A), the another scaling resistor R₂, and the scaling capacitor C₂) provides a desired phase boost near a power converter resonant frequency, thereby providing increased feedback loop bandwidth. Another pair of poles, provided by the feedback resistor R₁, the another scaling resister R₂, the first and second feedback capacitors C₁, C₃ and the scaling capacitor C₂, sets a desired high-frequency gain margin. These poles and zeros are produced during a buck power conversion mode wherein a scaled value V_(sout) of the output voltage V_(out) is connected to a negative terminal of an error amplifier EA and a reference voltage V_(ref) is connected to a positive terminal of the error amplifier EA.

Turning now to FIGS. 7 to 9, illustrated are graphical diagrams demonstrating exemplary operational gains of a power converter in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Beginning with FIG. 7, illustrated is a graphical diagram demonstrating a type 3 compensation gain 710 of a compensation circuit with an ideal error amplifier in a buck power conversion mode of operation and a gain limit 720 of an operational amplifier. As illustrated herein, the compensation gain 710 exhibits two zeros 730 and two poles 740. A further pole is produced at the origin of the complex frequency plane. At higher frequencies, the compensation gain 710 of the compensation circuit does not intersect the gain limit 720 of the operational amplifier.

Turning now to FIG. 8, illustrated is a graphical diagram demonstrating a compensation gain 810 of a compensation circuit with an ideal error amplifier in a boost power conversion mode of operation and the gain limit 820 of an operational amplifier. As illustrated herein, the compensation gain 810 exhibits two zeros 830 and one pole 840. Again, a further pole (e.g., a double pole) is produced at the origin of the complex plane. This occurs because in the boost power conversion mode, the resistor divider network formed by the first, second and another scaling resistors R_(A), R_(B), R₂ and second scaling capacitor C₂ is coupled to the positive (or non-inverting) input terminal of the operational amplifier OA as discussed in FIGS. 4 to 6, which eliminates the third pole. Accordingly, the compensation gain 810 goes beyond the gain limit 820 of the operational amplifier. As a result, the poles and zeros described above with reference to FIG. 8 are not produced, resulting in a different error amplifier gain behavior as illustrated in FIG. 9. This occurs because in the boost power conversion mode, the resistor divider network formed by the scaling resistors R_(A), R_(B), R₂ and scaling capacitor C₂ is coupled to the positive input terminal of the operational amplifier OA, which eliminates their frequency-dependent effects on the response of the error amplifier EA. In the boost power conversion mode, the new error amplifier gain 910 as illustrated in FIG. 9 can produce a stability problem for the power converter, especially with the use of ceramic output capacitors for the output filter capacitor C_(out) as introduced herein.

Turning now to FIG. 9, illustrated is a graphical diagram demonstrating the error amplifier gain 910 wherein the operational amplifier gain limit 820 intersects the error amplifier compensation gain 810. In the boost power conversion mode, the compensation gain 810 extends beyond the internal bandwidth limit of the error amplifier, which contributes directly to the gain and the phase of the compensation circuit as illustrated herein. The equivalent gain 910 of the error amplifier initiates a sharp phase lag at a frequency about half a decade below the intersection frequency Fc of the operational amplifier gain limit 820 with the compensation gain 810. The sharp phase lag adversely affects the stability of the power converter in the boost power conversion mode. A preferred way to avoid the sharp phase lag as introduced herein is to generate two zeros located at or below the intersection frequency Fc to cancel this effect.

Two added zeros are advantageously produced in an embodiment by coupling an output filter inductor in series with a capacitor forming an output filter capacitor of the power converter. A capacitor such as a ceramic capacitor has a self-resonant frequency (“SRF”), and at this frequency the capacitor generates a pair of complex zeros. For example, a 10 or 20 microfarad (“μF”) ceramic capacitor exhibits an SRF typically in the range of 700-1500 kilohertz (“kHz”). Coupling an output filter inductor in series with the output capacitor of the power converter shifts down the location of the SRF to enable the location of the pair of complex zeros to be at a frequency Fc, or at a lower frequency if desired.

Turning now to FIG. 10, illustrated is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an output filter constructed according to the principles of the present invention. The output filter includes an output filter capacitor C_(out) (e.g., a ceramic capacitor) with a series-coupled output filter inductor L_(c). A resistor R_(ESR) and an inductor L_(ESL) represent, respectively, the equivalent series resistance and equivalent series inductance of the output filter capacitor C_(out). The equation below illustrates calculation of the inductance of the output filter inductor L_(c) for a desired intersection frequency Fc.

$L_{C} = {\frac{\left( {{{Fc} \cdot 2}\; \pi} \right)^{2}}{C_{out}} - L_{ESL}}$

Turning now to FIG. 11, illustrated is a graphical diagram demonstrating an exemplary phase 1110 of an error amplifier during a boost power conversion mode of operation of a power converter, and an exemplary phase 1120 of an output filter capacitor in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Using the equation above to select an inductance of the output filter inductor enables the pair of complex zeros to cancel the effect of the sharp phase lag generated by the error amplifier as illustrated herein, resulting in a stable control response for the power converter. The added output filter inductor does not contribute significantly to the output impedance of the power converter.

Turning now to FIG. 12, illustrated is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an output filter constructed according to the principles of the present invention. The output filter includes an output filter capacitor C_(out), with a first terminal coupled to a first output terminal OUT₁ of a power converter and an output filter inductor L_(c) coupled between a second terminal of the output filter capacitor C_(out1) and a second output terminal OUT₂ of the power converter. The output filter also includes another output filter inductor L_(out) coupled to the first terminal of the output filter capacitor C_(out1). The output filter still further includes another output filter capacitor C_(out2), such as a small ceramic capacitor, coupled in parallel to the output filter capacitor C_(out1) and the output filter inductor L_(c) to provide a low impedance bypass for high frequency ripple components at the first and second output terminals OUT₁, OUT₂ of the power converter.

Thus, as introduced herein, inputs to an error amplifier are reversed, dependent on an output characteristic thereof, such as an output voltage, to switch between power conversion modes of operation such as a buck power conversion mode and a boost power conversion mode when an input voltage of a power converter crosses a threshold level. A resistor is coupled in series with a reference voltage to enable an error amplifier to operate with reversed inputs. A known load current, such as a current produced by an LED driver, may be employed to set a power-switching threshold for reversing the inputs to the error amplifier. An inductor may be coupled in series with an output capacitor to stabilize a feedback control loop.

Those skilled in the art should understand that the previously described embodiments of a power converter and related methods of constructing the same are submitted for illustrative purposes only. In addition, other embodiments capable of producing a power converter employable with other power switch-mode power converter topologies are well within the broad scope of the present invention. While the power converter has been described in the environment of a power converter including a controller to control an output characteristic to power a load, the power converter including a controller may also be applied to other systems such as a power amplifier, a motor controller, and a system to control an actuator in accordance with a stepper motor or other electromechanical device.

For a better understanding of power converters, see “Modern DC-to-DC Power switchmode Power Converter Circuits,” by Rudolph P. Severns and Gordon Bloom, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York, New York (1985) and “Principles of Power Electronics,” by J. G. Kassakian, M. F. Schlecht and G. C. Verghese, Addison-Wesley (1991). The aforementioned references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Also, although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, many of the processes discussed above can be implemented in different methodologies and replaced by other processes, or a combination thereof.

Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods, and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. 

1. A controller, comprising: an error amplifier with first and second input terminals coupled to one of an operating characteristic and a reference voltage of said power converter; and a switch configured to couple said first and second input terminals to one of said operating characteristic and said reference voltage as a function of a power conversion mode of said power converter.
 2. The controller as recited in claim 1 further comprising a sensor configured to sense said operating characteristic of said power converter.
 3. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein said switch is responsive to a power conversion mode control signal produced by a comparator in accordance with an input voltage of said power converter and an output voltage of said power converter.
 4. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein said error amplifier includes an operational amplifier including said first and second input terminals and a feedback path including at least one of a resistor and a capacitor between said first and second input terminals and an output terminal thereof.
 5. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein said operating characteristic is a scaled value of an output voltage of said power converter.
 6. The controller as recited in claim 5 wherein said scaled value of said output voltage is produced in accordance with a resistor divider network coupled thereto.
 7. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein said power conversion mode includes a buck power conversion mode and a boost power conversion mode.
 8. A method of operating a controller, comprising: providing an error amplifier including first and second input terminals; providing an operating characteristic and a reference voltage of a power converter; and coupling said first and second input terminals to one of said operating characteristic and said reference voltage as a function of a power conversion mode of said power converter.
 9. The method as recited in claim 8 further comprising sensing said operating characteristic of said power converter.
 10. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said coupling is responsive to a power conversion mode control signal produced by a comparator in accordance with an input voltage of said power converter and an output voltage of said power converter.
 11. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said error amplifier includes an operational amplifier including said first and second input terminals and a feedback path including at least one of a resistor and a capacitor between said first and second input terminals and an output terminal thereof.
 12. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said operating characteristic is a scaled value of an output voltage of said power converter.
 13. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein said scaled value of said output voltage is produced in accordance with a resistor divider network coupled thereto.
 14. The method as recited in claim 8 wherein said power conversion mode includes a buck power conversion mode and a boost power conversion mode.
 15. A power converter, comprising: a power train including at least one power switch and configured to operate in a power conversion mode; and a controller, including: an error amplifier with first and second input terminals coupled to one of an operating characteristic and a reference voltage of said power converter, and a switch configured to couple said first and second input terminals to one of said operating characteristic and said reference voltage as a function of said power conversion mode of said power converter.
 16. The power converter as recited in claim 15 wherein said power train further includes an output filter including an output filter capacitor with a first terminal coupled to a first output terminal thereof and an output filter inductor coupled between a second terminal of said output filter capacitor and a second output terminal thereof.
 17. The power converter as recited in claim 15 wherein said switch is responsive to a power conversion mode control signal produced by a comparator in accordance with an input voltage of said power converter and an output voltage of said power converter.
 18. The power converter as recited in claim 15 wherein said error amplifier includes an operational amplifier including said first and second input terminals and a feedback path including at least one of a resistor and a capacitor between said first and second input terminals and an output terminal thereof.
 19. The power converter as recited in claim 15 wherein said operating characteristic is a scaled value of an output voltage of said power converter produced in accordance with a resistor divider network coupled thereto.
 20. The power converter as recited in claim 15 wherein said power conversion mode includes a buck power conversion mode and a boost power conversion mode. 